5 Tips for Living in Your Home During a Remodel

Embarking on a home renovation project is an exciting endeavor. Still, it often comes with its own challenges, especially when you plan to live in the house during the construction. From the constant noise and dust to the logistical hurdles of daily life, it can be a daunting prospect. However, with the right strategies and a bit of planning, it is entirely possible to maintain a semblance of comfort and sanity while your dream home takes shape. This article will provide valuable advice and practical tips on navigating the renovation process while still calling your house “home.”

Understand the Schedule

You should regularly check the schedule to stay informed about the timing and location of work in your home. You can effectively orchestrate all necessary tasks by marking significant milestones and ensuring a seamless process. Remodeling projects are complex, with various moving components, so having a meticulously detailed yet adaptable schedule is the foundation for success.

Knowing when and where work will occur within your home allows you to identify noisy and dusty areas, redistribute resources, and keep loved ones safe from potential hazards. It’s also crucial to devise proactive strategies for managing bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor spaces to enhance your quality of life during the remodel.

Securing access schedules in advance is prudent for more extensive or intricate remodeling endeavors. This allows you to reference them consistently throughout the project and understand how they might impact your day-to-day life while residing in the house. Partnering with a design-build firm offers the advantage of having a single point of contact for schedule updates, ensuring you always have someone knowledgeable to consult with.

Designate Available Spaces

Consider designating specific rooms or areas in your house that are available for temporary use during the remodel. Having designated spaces to sleep, eat, and take care of personal hygiene is essential. If you’re expanding your master bedroom, for example, you might have another bedroom that can serve as a temporary sanctuary during the project. Ensure these spaces are secure and suitable for children and pets to sleep and play.

Once you’ve established your schedule, clearly mark off and secure the areas undergoing renovation. Use temporary barriers, alternative pathways, and substitute facilities to protect yourself and your family from the dust, noise, and potential hazards of an active construction site. Talk to your contractor about containment and cleaning procedures to ensure safety for everyone involved.

On the other hand, adapt other living areas to serve multiple purposes like dining or resting spaces. While your kitchen or master bedroom is “under construction,” take the opportunity to explore new local restaurants or relocate beds to quieter areas better suited for a peaceful night’s sleep. If a bathroom is out of service, establish specific times to avoid conflicts among family members vying for limited access.

Prepare the Space

Before starting the renovation, clear out any items that might obstruct progress or risk damage. Creating a safe and efficient workspace for the construction crew is important. Take stock of all the areas undergoing renovation and carefully assess what needs to be relocated. Consider all the usual activities and items you use in those spaces, and make a comprehensive list and formulate alternative plans for each item and activity.

Don’t forget valuable possessions like electronics, televisions, and cherished artworks. If it can be moved, it’s advisable to relocate it to a safe area within your home or arrange for off-site storage. Reputable builders will often request that you remove any items that could impede their work or are susceptible to damage.

Additionally, think about how you can adapt other areas of your home during the renovation process. For example, if your kitchen is inaccessible, transform your dining room into a temporary preparation and storage space. Get creative with alternative setups like using your living room as a temporary entertainment area or having slumber parties in different bedrooms.

Have a Plan for Kids & Pets

If children and pets are present near the construction site, it’s important to closely supervise them for their safety. Construction sites can be dangerous with open plumbing, exposed electrical components, and power tools. To ensure both the child’s safety and the crew’s well-being, restrict access to the work zones unless necessary and always have a responsible adult accompany children. When planning your remodeling project, consider how it might affect your pets as well. Here are some suggestions to minimize their stress levels:

For dogs:

• Enroll them in a reputable doggie daycare or boarding facility during the day.
• If keeping them at home, ensure your yard is secure for extended periods outdoors.

 

For cats:

• Allocate a secure room for them to retreat to away from noise.
• Consider boarding them at a cat hotel on particularly noisy days.

 

It’s also important to think about other animals in your household. Pets with sensitive lungs, like birds and reptiles, may need to be removed from the premises during construction due to reduced air quality. And fish may also need to be removed due to stress from vibrations if heavy power tools are used.

When it comes to children, designate at least one child-safe room for unattended play during moments when you need to attend to other tasks. Communicate with your children about what to expect and why certain rules may change temporarily. Rest assured that your project supervisor will take measures to contain the main work area for everyone’s safety.

Communicate With Your Contractors

Establish clear and open communication with your contractors throughout the entire renovation process. Effective communication is essential for a successful home renovation. From the beginning, it’s crucial to discuss your expectations and requirements with your contractors. They should listen attentively and anticipate your needs, providing you with a tailored plan based on their experience.

During the project, your contractor will become an extension of your household. Building a professional rapport with them is important to ensure that they understand your vision and can effectively communicate it to their team. Regular check-ins and updates will help keep everyone on the same page.

In today’s context, safety is a top priority. Your contractor should be able to explain their protocols for containing and cleaning work areas, as well as ensuring the separation of employees and minimizing disruption in your home. Open communication allows you to address any concerns or questions you may have about safety measures.

Throughout every phase of the project, maintain an open line of communication with your contractors. This will not only help prevent misunderstandings but also foster a positive working relationship. By establishing clear communication from the start, you can navigate any challenges during the renovation process smoothly and efficiently.

Enjoy Your Home Despite the Chaos

Living in a house undergoing renovation may test your patience at times, but with the right approach, it can also be a rewarding experience. By establishing clear communication with your remodeling team, creating designated living spaces, and adapting to temporary changes, you can successfully weather the disruption and emerge with the home of your dreams. Remember, preparation, flexibility, and a positive outlook are key to success. So, as you embark on this transformative journey, keep these tips in mind, and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying the comforts of your newly renovated home.